ST. JOHNS - A man who investigates child abuse and neglect for the state of Michigan is accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Daniel William Hulings, 34, of Bath Township, faces seven counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Clinton County District Court. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison upon conviction.

Hulings was suspended from his job as a Children's Protective Services investigator in Clinton County after the allegations came to light, said Bob Wheaton, a spokesman for the state Department of Health and Human Services. Hulings is currently suspended without pay, he said.

"We are aware of the arrest of this employee, and we will take whatever actions are necessary to protect the safety and well-being of children; that's our department's top priority," Wheaton said.

The agency does not comment on specific cases, he said.

Jennifer Kuiper-Weise, an attorney for Hulings, said he has pleaded not guilty, "and we believe he will be exonerated."

The victim said she had sexual contact with Hulings on numerous occasions over a period of more than a year, beginning when she was 16, court records indicate. The State Journal generally does not identify victims of sexual assault.

The criminal charges were filed in late May, and Hulings was arraigned June 7, records show. He posted a $100,000 bond.

A hearing to determine if he should stand trial on the charges is set for June 28.

Contact Ken Palmer at (517) 377-1032 or kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.